Courses

This specialization provides an overview of solar photovoltaics (PV), intricacies of solar system design, and a framework for solar PV project management. Targeted for engineers, HVAC installers, architects and building code inspectors, it is also appropriate for anyone considering a career in the growing renewable energy field of solar power. Courses introduce how PV operates and the anatomy of solar electric systems, the economics of solar power, pros and cons of different systems, considerations for designing a PV system, and fundamental code compliance. Materials primarily focus on solar PV in the United States. To learn more, view an overview at https://youtu.be/XjkKzbXqA6s.

Explore solar thermal electricity and concentrating solar power (CSP) technology in this 20-minute lecture that provides essential foundational knowledge for understanding solar energy systems. Learn about the big picture of CSP technology, examine different types of concentrating solar power systems, and analyze their environmental impacts. Discover current trends and future outlook for solar thermal electricity generation. Gain insights into how CSP differs from photovoltaic solar systems and understand its role in the renewable energy landscape. The presentation covers the fundamental principles behind concentrating solar power, including how mirrors and lenses focus sunlight to generate heat for electricity production. Examine various CSP system configurations and their applications in utility-scale power generation. Analyze the environmental considerations and sustainability aspects of solar thermal technology. Review market trends, technological developments, and the future prospects for concentrating solar power in the global energy transition.

Solar Energy technologies are among the leading renewable energy technologies to help our society to transform our energy systems and meet climate change mitigation goals. If you are new to these technologies and looking for an introduction to solar energy, this is the program for you! The experts from Delft University of Technology set up this program to help professionals, entrepreneurs and enthusiastic learners to obtain the basic knowledge to take their first steps in the solar energy sector. It will also support local entrepreneurs who wish to improve the access to electricity in their communities and seek the knowledge to deploy a PV system. In the program Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic (PV) system for any application and location. This program introduces the technology that converts solar energy into electricity. The role of solar energy in both the energy transition towards a sustainable future and climate change mitigation will be discussed in detail. The physical principle of the PV energy conversion together with the design rules for a solar cell are introduced. These design rules are applied on the various PV technologies from cell up to module level. We will also highlight various metrics related to performance, costs, reliability and circularity that will be used to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different PV technologies and its applications. The program’s level is equivalent to a Bachelor’s level course and will provide you with an excellent first step that could prepare you for more advanced programs like the MicroMasters Solar Energy Engineering.

Explore the intricate connections between solar models, solar neutrinos, and helioseismology in this comprehensive 50-minute lecture by F. Villante at the Galileo Galilei Institute. Delve into the fundamental principles governing our understanding of the Sun's internal structure and dynamics, examining how solar neutrinos provide crucial insights into stellar processes. Investigate the role of helioseismology in validating and refining solar models, and discover how these interconnected fields contribute to our knowledge of stellar physics and the Sun's evolution.

This course has been retired and transitioned into the _ Professional Certificate in Solar Energy _ === In the third edition of Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic system. This course introduces the technology that converts solar energy into electricity, heat and solar fuels with a main focus on electricity generation. Photovoltaic (PV) devices are presented as advanced semiconductor devices that deliver electricity directly from sunlight. The emphasis is on understanding the working principle of a solar cell, fabrication of solar cells, PV module construction and the design of a PV system. You will gain a greater understanding of the principles of the photovoltaic conversion— the conversion of light into electricity. This course explores the advantages, limitations and challenges of different solar cell technologies, such as crystalline silicon solar cell technology, thin film solar cell technologies and the latest novel solar cell concepts as studied on lab-scale. We will discuss the specifications of solar modules and demonstrate how to design a complete solar system for any particular application. Education Method The class will consist of a collection of eight to twelve minute lecture videos, exercises, assignments and exams. Specified assignments and the three exams will determine the final grade. The new textbook on “Solar Energy, basics, technology and systems” from the Delft University of Technology will be available for the students on-line and free of charge. Your course staff will encourage and challenge you to learn from, and interact with, your fellow students by helping each other and sharing ideas and best practices, in the course forum. We were happy to see the incredible number of interesting student videos on solar energy systems from all over the world in the previous edition of this course. Professor Smets was the first ever recipient of the edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions to Online Teaching and Learning. His previous online courses attracted over 150,000 students worldwide, who were inspired to take their first steps in the transition to renewable energy.

Dive into a comprehensive lecture on solar energy, exploring its competitive economics, technological advancements, and industry landscape. Learn about solar resources, photovoltaic (PV) systems including bifacial PV, capacity factors, degradation rates, and balance of system components. Examine tracking systems, industry growth trends, and manufacturing processes. Understand various solar categories, government policies such as Investment Tax Credits and Production Tax Credits, and their impact on the solar market. Analyze solar deployment by state, the Duck Curve phenomenon, and off-grid PV applications. Investigate the environmental impact and land use considerations of solar installations. Conclude with an in-depth look at the economics of solar PV, equipping you with a thorough understanding of this rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.

Explore the groundbreaking capabilities of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in this 46-minute roundtable discussion from the AGU22 Fall Meeting. Delve into the telescope's potential to unravel the mysteries behind solar storms and other solar phenomena. Learn how this powerful research facility complements existing ground, aircraft-based, and space-based instruments in solar observation. Discover plans for coordinated solar observations during the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, which promise to reveal unprecedented details about magnetic structures connecting the sun's surface and corona. Gain insights from experts at NSF, NOAA, and NASA as they discuss the telescope's impact on solar research and potential discoveries about our sun. Featuring speakers Carrie Black from NSF, Elsayed Talaat from NOAA, and Nicholeen Viall from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, this roundtable offers a comprehensive look at the future of solar astronomy.

This course gives you an introduction to the fundamentals of solar power as it applies to solar panel system installations. You will learn to compare solar energy to other energy resources and explain how solar panels, or photovoltaics (PV for short), convert sunlight to electricity. You will be able to identify the key components needed in a basic photovoltaic (solar panel) system, such as is found on a house or building, and explain the function of each component in the system. You will also learn how to calculate the electrical demand of a building, how to reduce the overall demand, and then how to design a solar panel system that can meet that annual demand at a given location. You will also compare the different types of pricing models that are being used and key regulatory considerations for grid tied systems (where a house or building is connected to the electrical grid and also generates electricity from solar panels). A capstone design project that entails both the simple audit of a building to determine demand, and a selection of components to design a solar panel system to meet that demand.

In this first course in the program Solar Energy you will be introduced to the technology that converts solar energy into electricity. The role of solar energy in both the energy transition towards a sustainable future and the improvement of the electricity access in specific regions in the world will be discussed in detail. Solar energy is the technology among all sectors with the potential to result in the largest net reduction in CO2 emissions at the lowest costs by 2030. The merits of solar energy in reference to other renewable electricity generation technologies will be analysed and we will discuss the important metrics related to performance, costs, reliability and circularity of solar energy. You will be introduced to the solar spectrum and irradiance on earth. The physical principle of the PV energy conversion using semiconductor materials are discussed, including the light excitation of charge carriers, charge carrier transport, separation and collection. The physics of the interaction of light with matter will be covered. The design of a solar cell is a complex interplay between the spectral utilisation, light management and electrical properties of the device. In this course you will be introduced to the optical and electrical design rules, the equivalent electrical circuit of a solar cell and parameters that determine the performance of a solar cell.

In the second course of the Solar Energy program, you will apply the design rules for a solar cell, mastered in the first course, on various photovoltaic (PV) technologies from cell up to module level. You will be introduced to crystalline silicon, the leading technology on the market. We will cover the manufacturing process from sand to cell and from cell to module, as well as high-efficiency concepts. You will also be familiarized with thin-film PV technologies, which are an alternative to crystalline silicon technology (III-V semiconductor materials, thin-film silicon, and chalcogenides like CdTe and CIGS, organics and perovskites materials will be covered.) The device architectures and processing methods of the PV technologies will be reviewed as well as novel future concepts for going beyond the conventional limits. Finally, various metrics will be applied to compare different PV technologies. These are related to performance, costs, reliability and you will be able to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different PV technologies and their applications.

In the third course of the program Solar Energy, you will learn to design a complete photovoltaic (PV) system for any application and location, from utility scale solar farms to residential scale systems. For these scales, both grid-connected and stand-alone solutions will be examined. The operation and design of PV modules will be taught with respect to various aspects, including shading resilience, interconnection architectures, temperature dependence, mono- versus bi-facial and recyclability. We will also review the function and operation of common components of PV Systems, such as inverters, DC-DC converters, maximum power point trackers, charge controllers and batteries. We will focus on the interaction of these components with both the photovoltaic modules and the grid. Batteries’ parameters and the role of the charge controller within the system will be covered as well. The selection of the right inverter among different types will be discussed along with various methods of maximal power point tracking. Considering the losses caused by the different components, the overall efficiency of energy conversion of the system will be discussed. We will also go back to metrics introduced in the first course and discuss the techno-economic-environmental performance of PV systems: their levelized-costs of electricity, return on financial investments, energy payback time and energy return on energy investment. Environmental considerations concerning PV systems will be discussed as well. Finally, alternative routes to convert solar energy will be explored such as solar thermal systems. The principles of solar-to-heat conversion and heat storage will be introduced.

Solar energy technology use is expanding rapidly. The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector is the largest and fastest growing renewable energy employer worldwide with an increasing need for experts that can support this growth. In this MicroMasters program you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar energy field and become a successful solar energy professional. This program will teach you what is expected from solar experts, and will prepare you for employment in various capacities including: Systems design and engineering Solar systems installation Device fabrication and characterization QA and reliability testing Project management and consultancy as well as (technical) sales The program includes diverse learning activities, including videos, readings, exercises and real-world applications. You will be guided through the content in an inspiring, hands-on, but rigorous manner. It is designed so knowledge is built gradually. We therefore recommend that students follow the courses in the suggested order. However, you may choose to enroll in any course of your choice based on your background knowledge or experience. The program is taught by photovoltaics research experts from TU Delft with many years of experience working with industry partners. Among these experts is Professor Arno Smets, the first ever recipient of the edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions to Online Teaching and Learning.

Solar energy technology use is expanding rapidly. The Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sector is the largest and fastest growing renewable energy employer worldwide with an increasing need for experts that can support this growth. In this MicroMasters program you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in the solar energy field and become a successful solar energy professional. This program will teach you what is expected from solar experts, and will prepare you for employment in various capacities including: Systems design and engineering Solar systems installation Device fabrication and characterization QA and reliability testing Project management and consultancy as well as (technical) sales The program includes diverse learning activities, including videos, readings, exercises and real-world applications. You will be guided through the content in an inspiring, hands-on, but rigorous manner. It is designed so knowledge is built gradually. We therefore recommend that students follow the courses in the suggested order. However, you may choose to enroll in any course of your choice based on your background knowledge or experience. The program is taught by photovoltaics research experts from TU Delft with many years of experience working with industry partners. Among these experts is Professor Arno Smets, the first ever recipient of the edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions to Online Teaching and Learning.

Solar Power Sensors starts with a discussion on how solar panels generate electrical energy. It then moves to the electronic components: silicon solar cells, perovskite cells, photovoltaic manufacturing methods and the power generation components: sun trackers, solar inverters, solar battery storage. We reference sensors used to monitor electronics and power generation components, as well as sensors that that are essential for maximizing solar panel efficiency. Solar Sensors can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5351, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Embark on a comprehensive video tour of our solar system, designed for young astronomers and space enthusiasts. Journey through the cosmos, exploring each planet from Mercury to Neptune, as well as dwarf planets like Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. Discover fascinating facts about Earth's moon and our life-giving sun. Learn about the unique characteristics, atmospheres, and features of each celestial body in this engaging, kid-friendly astronomical adventure that brings the wonders of space right to your screen.

Make Your Own Arduino Solar Tracker in a Step by Step Manner, learn and have fun Practicing Arduino What you'll learn: Make your own Arduino Solar TrackerTrack Sun Light then Move the Solar Panel towards it to improve it's efficiency .Learn Working Principle of Light DetectorsInterface Light Detectors with ArduinoMove Motors depending on the amount of Sun Light available to direct Solar Panel.Interface different type of electronic elements with Arduino. Make Your Own Arduino Solar Tracker in a Step by Step Manner, learn and have fun Practicing ArduinoWelcome to this course.This course will teach you how to make your own Arduino Solar Tracker at home using Light Sensitive Sensors and increase the efficiency of your solar panel by up to 40%. This guide will take you in a step-by-step manner to understand each component, why we use it, what it does, and how to wire it up, starting with the basics of Arduino and ending with Light Sensitivity Sensors and Motors used to drive the Solar Panel.You will learn the actual working principle of Sunlight Detection, what an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) is, and how to interface, wire, and code it correctly to control the efficiency of your solar panel. Making your Arduino Solar Tracker system and initiating alarm actions will seem easy after taking this course.After this course, you will be able to make your own homemade Arduino Solar Tracker.All connections are explained in detail, and you can choose the number of light detectors you wish to use to improve the device's accuracy.Why You Should Take This Course:Learn and practice the fundamentals of Arduino.Build a functional solar tracker using inexpensive materials.Easily make changes to get better performance.Learn how to track the sun's movement with an Arduino.Work with series, parallel circuits, resistors, and capacitors.No prior knowledge is necessary; all concepts are explained in detail.Goal From This Course:Make your own Arduino Solar Tracker that works efficiently and effectively. Track sunlight and move the solar panel towards it to improve its efficiency.What You Will Learn in This Course:How to make an Arduino Solar Tracker.How to deal with light sensors using Arduino.How to move motors depending on the amount of sunlight available to direct the solar panel.How to interface different types of electronic elements with Arduino.How Arduino can make your life easier.How to program, burn a code, and wire Arduino and light detectors.What are the right tools that you need to start making amazing projects?User Testimonials: "This course provided a practical approach to building a solar tracker. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in renewable energy projects!" - Lisa M."A great course that explains the concepts and practical steps clearly. I built my own solar tracker with ease!" - John P.Author Bio: Ashraf is an educator, Mechatronics engineer, electronics and programming hobbyist, and Maker. As a Chief Educational Engineer since 2007 at Educational Engineering Team, the company he founded, Ashraf’s mission is to explore new trends and technology and help educate the world. With over 250,000 students from around the world, Ashraf’s online courses have helped many to kick-start their careers in the industry.Call to Action: Enroll now to master Arduino Solar Tracker and take your renewable energy projects to the next level!FAQ: Q: Do I need prior experience in electronics or programming to take this course? A: No, this course is designed for all levels.Q: Will I need to buy additional equipment? A: The course provides a list of necessary components, all of which are affordable and easily accessible.What You Will LearnDesign and build an Arduino Solar TrackerInterface light sensors with ArduinoControl motors based on sunlight detectionImplement series, parallel circuits, resistors, and capacitorsWho Is This Course ForArduino enthusiastsHobbyists interested in renewable energy projectsBeginners in Arduino programmingAnyone looking to build a solar trackerRequirementsAn Arduino board and basic electronic componentsBasic understanding of using a computerNo prior programming or electronics experience needed About the InstructorEducational Engineering TeamTeam of skilled Engineers Sharing Knowledge with the WorldEducational Engineering Team is a leading team in the Microcontroller Industry, with over 13 Years of Experience in teaching and doing practical projects. They strive to provide deep, hands-on experience in their courses, offering step-by-step blueprints on various topics.Ashraf is an educator, Mechatronics engineer, electronics and programming hobbyist, and maker. He has been the Chief Educational Engineer at Educational Engineering Team since 2007, and his mission is to explore new trends and technology to help educate the world. His online courses have helped over 250,000 people worldwide to build successful careers.Educational Engineering Team offers courses on:Circuit Design, Simulation, and PCB FabricationArduino, PIC Microcontroller, and Raspberry PiProgramming in C, Python, and other programming languagesPLC Industrial Programming and Automation3D Design and SimulationESP and IoT World

A perfect course with industry examples, tips, thumb rules& calculations for simplified learning, CERTIFICATECourse What you'll learn: Why you should adopt Solar Energy Environmental Aspect of Solar PlantsHow to Plan and Design your own Grid-Tied PV SystemDifference between off-grid system and on-grid system, how to select the appropriate system as per the applicationKnow the various Solar components to determine the correct components and requirementsTypes of Solar PV System- PV System and Thermal SystemLearn the important designing tips, such as best Tilt angle for the Solar PV Panels, best direction for the panels, inter-row spacing between the 2 rows etcDetermine the correct mounting structure for your Solar Pants based on the type of installation as per your rooftop.Get the thumb rules on your tips for Average generation from a Solar Plant, avg area requirement and ROI period for your Solar Plant with the help of examples.Know about the Civil work requirement for the mounting of Solar structures. Dead Weight calculations for the Solar Equipments.Different types of installation possible with a Solar PV system to cater for the different applications.Understand the detailed benefits of the Solar Power Plants in a detailed manner,Calculate the savings from your Solar Power Plant and determine the ROI period with the help of examples.Learn the different financial models prevailing in the Solar industry, OPEX Model, CAPEX model, Self-finance Model. Comparative to select the appropriate model.Understand the mechanism of complex Net Metering with the help of clear examples factoring Import and Export of the energy.Monitoring needs of the Solar Power Plant and how you can enhance the returns with effective monitoring.How to calculate the equivalent number of Trees for a Solar Plant and reduced carbon emission.Motivate yourself to contribute your bit to the environment. Hello, Dear Solar Enthusiast!I welcome you to this Solar Energy course, designed with the goal to share the learning for the beginners of Solar Energy. Let me share with you that I have tried to develop this course keeping in mind that a beginner could learn the technicality of the Solar field in a simpler and easier manner. I have tried to all the aspects of the Solar plants which include Technicals, Financial calculations, Financial modelling, Net Metering, Different types of Installations, Monitoring etc. Some of these aspects are generally missed in the other courses. I understand how difficult it is sometimes to explain the technical aspects, therefore I have tried to take the help of analogies and simple to relate examples and calculations for developing an easier understanding of the complex technicalities.Being working as a Solar Energy consultant and executed approximately 50 projects with an aggregated capacity of 4000 kWp or 4 MWp, I have been able to gain useful experience and insights. I have tried to pour all my experience into this course, hope this would be valuable. Examples from the industrial experience coupled with tips and thumb rules, average calculation formulae etc would really equip the viewer to gain a great command and grip. After, taking this course, a very detailed understanding of all the fundamentals involving Technicals, financial, execution, would help in building up the required confidence for taking up Solar projects or assignments in this field.Be ready to cover tons of topics in the Solar field to charge yourself for your Solar expertise. We will be covering topics such as- Basic fundamentals of Solar PV Energy!Calculating the contribution of the Solar Plants for curbing carbon emission.Comparison of Grid-Tie vs. Off-Gris PV systemsWhat are the various components of a Solar PV system, how they function?Thumb rules and formulas on your tips for evaluating any solar plant and carry forward the necessary plannings.How to size the Solar plant, how to calculate the Savings and ROI period of your solar plants.How to choose the best financial model for your solar plant, Comparative of different financial models.Understand the net metering and calculate the bills from import and export readings. Role of monitoring in increasing the output of the Solar Plant. This course has been designed for: anyone who wants to explore the ins and outs of Solar PV Energy. The course has been designed in such a way that it is suitable for beginners and some of the detailed calculations and concepts would benefit the advanced learners as well. I am sure, it will also prove awesome for experienced Solar Professionals who want to enhance their skills and increment knowledge as some of the concepts presented here are not shared in other equivalent courses. You would see them once you go through the course.And finally, if you are looking to enhance your knowledge in a comprehensive manner, Switch this Course On! Yes, Take the course and let the lamp of knowledge brighten your career and endeavours. Best wishes to you. Practising as a consultant in the solar field, I would share more in the coming days and I do wish to add the experience as upgraded content and I look forward to keeping updating the content with the latest developments.

The course is an introduction to the photovoltaic (PV) applications in the general mix energetic context dominated by climate warming mitigation. The various uses of solar energy are firstly presented before a short description of the principle of the direct solar photon conversion into electricity (PV). The various PV technologies are reviewed in the current context dominated by crystalline silicon cells. The perspectives of the various technologies are then analysed in terms of R&D investments. From a more scientific point of view the basis of the solar cell operation is presented from the solar spectrum characteristics. The fundamentals of PV conversion are summarized. In particular the various sources of the conversion efficiency limitations are reviewed. The solar PV systems, from cells to grids, are also addressed, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of grid-integration of PV and the development of storage technologies. The environmental and social impacts of PV are compared to the competing energy sources. Generally PV is at advantage as referred to other fossil or renewable sources. Finally the fast evolution of economics and financing of PV is presented together with the current key players, mostly Asian companies.

Instructor: Prof. V. V. Satyamurty, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur. This course provides an introduction to solar energy technology. Topics covered in this course include Sun-Earth geometry, Extraterrestrial radiation, Terrestrial radiation, Measurement of solar radiation, Solar collectors, Transmission-absorptance product, Concentrating collectors, Long term solar energy system performance, and Economic analysis.

Explore the innovative concept of solar-powered cooling in this Stanford University seminar presented by Sasha Mazo from New World Machines. Delve into the engineering mindset applied to climate change challenges, focusing on interventional, remedial, and adaptive approaches. Discover how solar energy can be harnessed for cooling purposes, potentially revolutionizing sustainable temperature control solutions. Gain insights into the intersection of renewable energy and cooling technologies, and understand their potential impact on reducing carbon emissions. Equip yourself with knowledge to evaluate and develop climate-friendly cooling systems that could play a crucial role in mitigating global warming effects.